as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of milieu And in today’s fast-moving, always-on business milieu, the difference between engagement and exhaustion may come down to how confident your people feel in their ability to act. Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Although the relocation of a very Nordic communitarian milieu to a British setting creates its own cultural dissonances, the end result is a nifty ethical puzzle about balancing the needs of individuals versus those of the community. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 Moreover, though, the show seems to want to confer a kind of authenticity upon a milieu that many worried would be grotesquely misrepresented by creators who aren’t exactly immersed in local journalism. Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Then director Lee remaps the story, so that King’s music milieu is exploited in intriguing and unexpected ways. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
Noun
  • Yet, Barclays’ Venkateshwar expects the environment will likely get more difficult for the wireless carrier in the future, as the entire sector deals with elevated churn — the pace at which customers are added and removed.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, with support from Michael Kors, WFP will be able to equip 30 schools with solar panels, upgraded kitchens and improved classrooms, enhancing the learning environments for more than 3,000 students.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The vortex is a gigantic, circular area of cold air high up in the atmosphere that typically spins over the North Pole (as its name suggests).
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • That distinction likely reflects shifts in Mars' climate and atmosphere as Jezero Crater filled with sediment, the researcher said.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The debate over trans gun ownership is especially complicated in the context of the larger push by progressives for widespread gun control.
    Grace Byron, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In that context, Beckham’s frog loafers felt less like a gimmick and more like a continuation of the designer’s Paris momentum.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Box tree moths are native to temperate and subtropical climates in Asia and were first reported in Ohio in June 2023.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The electric vehicle revolution is often framed as a climate imperative—a way to cut carbon emissions and slow global warming.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Plants, glowing lamps, and original art surround couches, banquettes, and seating areas, giving the bar an inviting feel.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Inspectors found heavy dust and debris accumulation on the surround fan and on the shelving above the prep table.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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